Paying transit fares
Community Transit accepts ORCA cards to pay bus fares. ORCA works on all seven of the major public transportation agencies serving this region and offers several reduced fare options for riders who qualify.
Subsidized Annual Pass
The Subsidized Annual Pass works just like a regular ORCA card but allows free travel on Community Transit, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and Everett Transit. Residents of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, who are enrolled in one of six state benefit programs, are eligible.
Enroll in Subsidized Annual Pass through the online Reduced Fare Portal or by calling the Seattle & King County Community Health Access Program at (800) 756-5437 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.). Enroll in Subsidized Annual Pass in person at a DSHS community services office.
ORCA LIFT
For people who don’t qualify for Subsidized Annual Pass but still need help paying transit fares, Community Transit offers reduced fares for residents with lower incomes through the ORCA LIFT program. ORCA LIFT works just like a regular ORCA card but allows eligible riders to pay a reduced fare. People with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible for ORCA LIFT.
Youth riders
Youth aged 18 and younger ride transit free with a Youth ORCA Card.
ORCA LIFT and Subsidized Pass in-person enrollment
Learn more about reduced fare options and see if you qualify to receive an ORCA LIFT card or a Subsidized Annual Pass in-person at Community Transit's Ride Store.
Drop-in enrollment times are every Monday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by to learn more or to apply in-person!
- To learn more about ORCA LIFT eligibility, visit myORCA.com
- To apply for reduced fare programs online, visit King County's Reduced Fare online portal or call the Community Health Access Program at (800) 756-5437.
Find the right ORCA fare for you
Find your best ORCA fare by visiting the myORCA web site to see available pass options and reduced fare programs.
|
Service |
Adult Aged 19 to 64 |
Youth Aged 18 and younger |
Reduced Fares ORCA LIFT, 65+, Disabled and Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bus Includes local, express, and Swift bus rapid transit buses |
$2.50 / ride $90.00 Monthly Pass |
FREE |
$1.00 / ride $36.00 Monthly Pass |
|
DART Paratransit For passengers with disabilities |
$2.50 / ride $90.00 Monthly Pass |
FREE |
$2.50 / ride $90.00 Monthly Pass |
|
Zip Shuttle On-demand shared ride service |
$2.50 / ride $90.00 Monthly Pass |
FREE |
$1.00 / ride $36.00 Monthly Pass |
Bus
Includes local, express, and Swift bus rapid transit buses
Rider Fare |
Monthly Pass |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Adult Aged 19 to 64 |
$2.50 |
$90.00 |
|
Youth Aged 18 and younger |
FREE |
FREE |
|
Reduced Fares ORCA LIFT, 65+, Disabled and Medicare |
$1.00 |
$36.00 |
DART Paratransit
For passengers with disabilities
Rider Fare |
Monthly Pass |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Adult Aged 19 to 64 |
$2.50 |
$90.00 |
|
Youth Aged 18 and younger |
FREE |
FREE |
|
Reduced Fares ORCA LIFT, 65+, Disabled and Medicare |
$2.50 |
$90.00 |
Zip Shuttle
On-demand shared ride service
Rider Fare |
Monthly Pass |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Adult Aged 19 to 64 |
$2.50 |
$90.00 |
|
Youth Aged 18 and younger |
FREE |
FREE |
|
Reduced Fares ORCA LIFT, 65+, Disabled and Medicare |
$1.00 |
$36.00 |
| Riders who qualify for the Subsidized Annual Pass can travel on Community Transit, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and Everett Transit at no cost. To be eligible you must be enrolled in one of six state benefit programs. | |||
Subsidized Annual Pass
Rides who qualify for the Subsidized Annual Pass can travel on Community Transit, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and Everett Transit at no cost. To be eligible you must be enrolled in one of six state benefit programs.
Transfers
If you ride more than one bus or train on your trip, the ORCA card can help you save money. With ORCA, you can switch between buses or trains and still get credit for the fare you have paid. Your ORCA payment works for two hours after you first use your card. If a later part of your trip costs more, the ORCA reader will show the remaining amount owed and deduct it from your card.
Learn to ride transit
Community Transit’s free Travel Training program teaches people who may need extra help how to use transit confidently. Travel trainers will ride with you during your training, guiding you through the transit experience all the way to your destination. Learn more at communitytransit.org/traveltraining or by calling (425) 353-7433.